Synonyms for

Fail

Verb / feɪl / Another word for fail — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To not succeed in doing something.

Synonyms & similar words

giveout neglect giveway pass break succeed die manage betray breakdown bomb runout gobad flushit gowrong miscarry conkout go flunk lose flunk flop collapse miss botch bungle

Synonyms by register

Formal

flounder founder miscarry perish

Informal

bomb flop mess up fall short go belly up

Literary

wane founder stumble

Antonyms

succeed triumph prosper achieve win prevail accomplish

Common collocations

  • fail to
  • fail miserably
  • fail to meet
  • fail the test
  • fail to deliver
  • fail to impress
  • fail to understand

Word family

noun failure
verb fail
adjective failing

Usage note

The word 'fail' can be used in many contexts, from academic and professional to personal. Be mindful of the register when choosing synonyms; 'bomb' is highly informal, while 'miscarry' is more formal and often used for plans or hopes.

Example sentences

  1. I failed to catch the ball.
  2. She failed to close the door.
  3. He failed his driving test.
  4. They failed to win the game.
  5. The cake failed to rise in the oven.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying. - Michael Jordan
  • Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. - Henry Ford

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